import

1 of 2

verb

im·​port im-ˈpȯrt  ˈim-ˌpȯrt 

imported; importing; imports

transitive verb

1

: to bring from a foreign or external source: such as

a

: to bring (something, such as merchandise) into a place or country from another country

b

: to transfer (files or data) from one format to another usually within a new file

2

a

: to bear or convey as meaning or portent : signify

The words imported that some changes had to be made.

b

: imply

Her reminder imported that I would forget.

c

archaic : express, state

3

archaic : to be of importance to : concern

intransitive verb

: to be of consequence : matter

importable

im-ˈpȯr-tə-bəl 

ˈim-ˌpȯr-

adjective

importer noun

import

2 of 2

noun

im·​port ˈim-ˌpȯrt 

1

: something that is imported

2

: importation

3

: importance

especially : relative importance

it is hard to judge the import of this decision

4

: purport, signification

Synonyms of import

Verb

• matter
• weigh
• mean

Noun

• importance
• significance
• consequence
• magnitude

Examples of import in a Sentence

Verb

a dealer who imports cars from Italy to the U.S.

software that makes it simple to import digital photographs onto your hard drive

Noun

This car is an import from Italy.

They sell luxury imports from around the world.

laws affecting the import of foreign goods

This is an issue of little import to voters.

a matter of great import

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

While some specialist components, such as neodymium magnets, are imported, Johannes says local production remains central to the company’s mission. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 25 July 2026

Under the agreement, American companies would build nuclear reactors in Saudi Arabia, and the two countries would study whether Saudi Arabia should eventually enrich uranium on its own instead of importing nuclear fuel. — Marie-Rose Sheinerman, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026

Noun

The key reason, according to the Tsinghua post, is that China then relied on imports for over 90% of its memory chips. — Yue Wang, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

In fact, the United States mined magnesium from seawater for 50 years before switching to imports in the 90s. — New Atlas, 27 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Medieval Latin importare to bring in, cause, signify, from Latin, to bring in, cause, from in- + portare to carry — more at fare

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2a

Noun

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for import

• abort
• airport
• alport
• athwart
• carport
• comport
• consort
• deport
• disport
• distort
• escort
• exhort

Kids Definition

import

1 of 2 verb

im·​port im-ˈpō(ə)rt  -ˈpȯ(ə)rt 

ˈim-ˌpō(ə)rt, 

-ˌpȯ(ə)rt

1

: mean entry 2 sense 2

2

: to be important : matter

3

: to bring (as goods) into a country from another country usually for selling

imports coffee

imported cars

importer noun

import

2 of 2 noun

im·​port ˈim-ˌpō(ə)rt 

-ˌpȯ(ə)rt

1

: meaning entry 1 sense 1

2

: importance

3

: something brought into a country